Hot Coffee (The Hollens)
Chapter 26 (Rings and Things)
Ethan's POV
I didn't wait until the auction was completely over. I left half way through because I was worried about my Emma. When I got home, she was already asleep. I kissed her forehead and laid besides her.
She stirred. "Mr. Hollen?"
"Baby, shh. Go back to sleep," I told her as I rubbed her back slowly.
She laid on the pillow and went back to sleep instantly.
I stayed with her a little longer then went to my room, planning how I would spend my time with her in the morning.
She rested her head on my shoulder as we looked out at the horizon. She looked so calm. I was happy she was asking me questions and showing emotions without me having to force it out of her. I wanted her to be comfortable with me and not afraid of me.
"What are your goals in life, Emma?"
"I want to do something for homeless children who are left on the streets. There's orphanages and foster care homes but that's all there are. I want to add something more so the kids can enjoy life instead of being scared to face it."
I was really moved by her answer. I was expecting her to say something like she wanted to be rich or a model or something in that fashion, but here she was talking about the lives of innocent children and how she wanted to better them. She wasn't just amazing, she was extraordinary. I wasn't falling anymore. I was in love with her.
"Emma, I'm not putting you on the spot, but what was it like growing up in a foster home?"
She heaved a sigh and I saw the tears, which made her eyes twinkled.
"I grew up in twelve different foster homes, including group homes. It was a nightmare, honestly. I was belittled by the bigger kids and physically abused by the adults. I would be beaten badly if I didn't finish my chores on time, and I had a lot to do.
I was treated differently because of
unhappy. I don't like talking about it much; it makes me so sad." She began
my arms. "Baby, it's okay. I'm here for you now. No one can hurt you again. I promise you that. I'm
a kid. For Christ sake, she was only a kid and she needed to play as well. Why should someone be treated differently because of the color of their skin? There's only one race— the human race. I didn't like the labeling black and
were beautiful people. The complexion of my skin was much lighter than hers, but here I was loving her and caring about her. I didn't see color. I saw love. And I would love
cold?" I asked her when I felt her shivering against my
She nodded.
rest of our things and
happy couple. How
was lovely,"
I smirked.
took Emma to her bedroom. She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before I left. I needed a shower to get the sand out of my hair. I reached for my phone and saw a text and
fashion shows are going so great. I think I will stay another week but,
come home before her time, and if I said I didn't miss her she'd probably sense something was wrong so I texted
Sorry, I've been busy exploring the place. Of course I miss you and I can't wait to see you, but
for another week which meant I'd have
in Miami, but I had a company to run back in New York. It was already Sunday and we were set to leave
went down to get something to eat. I sat outside on the porch and enjoyed the warmth
really should come
was something important I
------
Taylor, in Palm Beach. I knew I would find the perfect ring for Emma here. I entered the building and went up
looked me over from head to toe and hesitated to come assist, judging me based on the fact that I